Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the chief executive officer of the Minerals Commission, has stated that in order for the country to have a stable future, money from its mineral resources must be invested in useful assets.
He said that because natural resources are limited resources, doing so would assure that future generations would not suffer when the supplies inevitably ran out.
"It's critical to be sustainable.
The idea that money made from the discovery and exploitation of our natural resources should be invested in other businesses so that we can fall depend on them when the minerals run out should not be forgotten, Mr Ayisi said.
At a two-day strategic dialogue on "Harnessing mineral resources responsibly for national development," he was participating as a panellist.
The Graphic Communications Group Ltd. (GCGL), in association with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, hosted a stakeholders' debate in Accra.
The event, which had as its theme "Harnessing our natural resources for our sustainable collective good," gave participants a chance to discuss and exchange practical viewpoints on the nation's advancement in this area for the long-term benefit of its citizens.
Chile as an example
Mr. Ayisi used Chile as an example, noting that the nation, which produces 28% of the world's copper, invests heavily in agriculture and fisheries as well as sovereign bonds and other productive assets to ensure value for future generations.
"We must follow suit so that whatever benefits we derive from the exploitation of our minerals are directed into other productive sectors so that we have something to fall back on when the minerals are exhausted," he added.
prohibition of small-scale mining
Regarding small-scale mining, Mr. Ayisi said that the activity should not be outlawed but rather strictly controlled by legislation to cleanse the industry.
Except for the Oti, Volta, and Greater Accra areas, he said that 13 of the country's 16 regions had some form of small-scale mining, which supported around three million people.
"We must perform it expertly.
We shouldn't close down small-scale mining because of a few criminal activities, Mr. Ayisi continued.
He claimed that 200 small-scale miners were operating illegally in an Upper East Region hamlet.
"The land was carved out for them when the head of the region addressed the commission, despite the fact that their operations had nothing to do with water bodies.
They received two mercury-free processing equipment from us that range in price from $300 to $1,000 to use and maintain.
As a result, they are operating legally, have an EPA permission, and have a licence for their activities, according to Mr. Ayisi.
He continued by saying that the commission has subsequently built a communal borehole at a cost of GH $25,000.
The CEO said that 300 persons were running illegal mining in the Bole District as well, but "you do not send the military after them."
"We have formalised their activities and supplied them three mercury-free processing equipment, which will enable them to provide employment for 3,000 people.
"We will witness responsible mining if we implement it over the next five years.
There won't be an immediate fix. To complete this, it will take time, he added.
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